To the God of the dark and the light
a poem from my soul to yours
Did you know that some flowers only bloom at night? The moonflower, night phlox, evening primrose. In the darkness, their beauty awakens.
Sometimes I’ve seen them in the early hours, petals outstretched, unaware that morning calls to tuck them in.
In her book, The Night is Normal: A Guide Through Spiritual Pain, Dr. Alicia Britt shares:
“I find it fascinating that God designed some flowers to only bloom at night. Moonlight, not sunlight triggers plants […] to share their beauty and aroma. In a similar way, some aspects of love for God can only be exercised and displayed in the darkness.”
Have you experienced this blooming in the dark?
A night of the soul bursting with stars?
A Poem: To the God of the dark and the light
You are the God of the Dark.
Dust bowls and dinginess.
Fire and flood.
Wars and weeping.
Night so dark it breaks against the stars’ light.
Hearts suffocated. Children longing, lonely.
You are sufficient for the day (you say). Do not be anxious (you beg). Yet, how, when the world is falling into itself, can I not strain to see you?
When grief is so thick it clouds the eyes?
Again and again our hearts break.
Yet - You are the God of the Light, too.
God of the stranger being loved.
Outcast welcomed in.
God of the open table. Open doors. Open heart.
God of the parent grieving.
God of the addict yearning.
God of Love.
You meet us in the dark and on the fringes.
Yet in this deep and lonely well, light shines that illuminates the heavens.
Light bursts forth that wakes up the eyes.
Photo by Reden on Unsplash
God, help us to rest in this in between space, between the dark and the light.
Help us to understand what it is about this truth: When we are emptied, we are filled. When we lose, then we find. When we surrender, we are victorious. When all is dark, there your light reigns.
What is this season bringing up for you? Are you in a place of darkness or light?
How can I be praying with you in the dark or praising with you during moments of lightness? Send me a private message or email and I’d love to walk with you in this season.
Caroline Beidler, MSW, is an author, speaker, and Managing Editor of Recovery.com, where she combines expert guidance with research to help people find the best path to healing and treatment. Her next book, When You Love Someone in Recovery: A Hopeful Guide for Understanding Addiction, is coming Spring 2026 with Nelson Books. Drawing from her own recovery journey through addiction, mental health challenges, and trauma, along with training as a clinical mental health provider and addiction recovery expert, Caroline is passionate about guiding you into seasons of greater healing. Learn more about her books here.
Just Beautiful!
This really IS beautiful. My distinct moment came when I was awaiting trial and had gotten some really tough news about things back home. It hit me like a ton of bricks and I started thinking everything had gone to hell. In prayer, I heard the distinct phrase "It can be beautiful again".
I was really confused on that one, but looking at my life now I am of a sober mind, I have colleagues, and I'm about to become a Recovery Coach. I'm looking to date again. My mental health is in a good place. All of these things seemed impossible waiting to be sentenced to over a decade.